School for Bible Study
35
and he whose mind is enlightened and led by the Spirit of God, will
go from strength to strength, finding his path growing brighter and
brighter unto the perfect day.
Earthward or Heavenward
But while we are capable of advancing in knowledge and truth, let
us not lose sight of the fact that we can go backward as well as forward.
We may go earthward as well as heavenward. There are many souls
who are balancing between the heavenward and the hellward course.
There are influences, subtle and deceiving, drawing souls away from
[50]
God and heavenly things. It is necessary that every one should be
looked after from his earliest years to youth and maturity. Especially
should those who know the danger of evil, and who know the love and
interest that God feels for every soul, make it their business to watch
for souls as they that must give an account.
Parents should command their households after them, as did Abra-
ham, to keep the way of the Lord. If this is not done, Satan will gladly
undertake the work of the parent, and train the child as it pleases him;
and, oh, how much this work is left to him! Let parents do their duty to
those who are dependent upon them, and fashion their characters after
the divine Pattern. Let parents, with living faith and entire reliance
upon God, do the part assigned them, and God will do His part, and
thousands of children who are now without God and without hope in
the world, will be added to the church.
Burdened for the Youth’s Conversion
When conversion of the youth shall be the great burden upon the
hearts of the parents and teachers, efforts will constantly be made to
discipline the character, to direct the tastes and desires in the heavenly
channel. Every soul is capable of being built up in solid virtues. Each
soul may reach heights, depths, and breadths of knowledge in spiritual
things, and be fitted for the higher life. When parents take the first
steps, making their own habits and practices in eating, dressing, and
[51]
living, as simple and natural as possible, with an eye single to the
glory of God, there will be order in the home, and the children will
not be neglected; but time will be devoted to their instruction and
development.